Cyber Safety

Table of Contents


Do you know where your students are hanging out on-line? During the school day the answer to this question is probably yes. We have very little time to allow our kids to 'play' on-line in the computer lab. But what about when they get home? Part of our responsibility as teachers is to teach students how to use the internet safely and help them to take that message home to their parents. While the internet can be a terrific resource for information on a wide variety of subjects, it can also be a place where students are exposed to inappropriate messages, people or situations. Take a look at the following websites for some resources that you can use throughout the school year both during computer lab instruction as well as during parent-teacher conference time.

Resources

Stay Safe Organization - this site has information for teens, parents, and educators. A terrific resource for how to block spam, network safely, teach kids to use the internet responsibly and more.
CyberSmart Internet Safety - this site has lesson plans for grades K-8 that are aligned to ISTE's technology standards for students.
NetSmartz - another great resource for teachers, parents, and students. Includes great activity cards that can be printed out for students to take home and share with parents.
I Keep Safe - here you'll find a fun character named Faux Paw. Faux Paw is a cat who learns some tough lessons about being safe on line. Additional resources for students include coloring pages, games, and on-line books to help students understand the importance of using the internet responsibly.